George nears birthday milestone

Prince George's fast approaching first birthday will be a milestone that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will celebrate publicly and privately.

George will one day be king and an official picture is expected to be released to mark the royal toddler's anniversary on July 22.

Details of how William and Kate will celebrate their son's birthday have not been released but it is likely a party - complete with a cake - has been planned for their child.

Just like any other family, godparents, relatives and friends will bring presents for their newest member and well-wishers are also expected to send their good wishes and gifts.

During the past year the world has watched the young prince growing up, from his first public appearance the day after he was born, to his first royal tour when he eclipsed his parents and stole the hearts of royal fans in New Zealand and Australia.

George's uncle Prince Harry has described his nephew as looking like a "young Winston Churchill" who is walking and has big chubby cheeks.

The birth of George Alexander Louis, known as His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge, was a global event with the world's media camped for days outside the private Lindo wing of St Mary's Hospital in central London.

Kate gave birth at 4.24pm on July 22 to a son weighing 8lbs 6oz, but the news was not announced to the waiting world until four hours later when members of the Royal Family spoke of their joy at the newest addition to their family.

The proud parents could not contain their happiness when they walked from the Lindo wing and showed the world their son the following day.

Within a few months a gurgling George, carried by his father, arrived for his christening at the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace with the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, other senior royals and the Middletons sitting in the pews.

When the baby Prince made an appearance on his first official tour he was growing up quickly and appeared to take everything in his stride.

William and Kate took their son to New Zealand and Australia in April and he stole the limelight with his antics.

Scenes of George waving his arms in excitement when he was introduced to his bilby namesake - a rodent-like marsupial - captivated the hearts of royal fans.

Now on the eve of his first birthday the world will be eagerly watching to see how the future king develops.

Ipsoregulated

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